As part of ongoing efforts to promote sustainable development and empower local communities, the Royal Commission for AlUla Governorate , represented by its Farmers' Services Center , launched a comprehensive package of specialized training courses and workshops this January. This initiative complements the Commission's ongoing work to develop the agricultural sector, a cornerstone of the governorate's historical and economic identity.
Reviving the agricultural heritage in the Al-Ula oasis
AlUla Governorate boasts a rich agricultural history spanning thousands of years, with its lush oases serving as vital hubs along ancient trade routes. Today, the Royal Commission is working to revive this heritage by integrating traditional practices with modern technologies. These training programs aim to preserve the region's renowned native crops, such as AlUla dates and its diverse citrus fruits, which are not only a food product but also an integral part of the region's intangible cultural heritage.
Details of training programs and their fields
The courses offered this month focus on improving farmers' efficiency and enhancing the quality and sustainability of production, and cover a wide range of vital topics, including:
- Harvesting and post-harvest areas: Focus on citrus fruits, and the technical processes necessary in palm groves to ensure the quality of dates and their storage.
- Livestock: Providing guidance on feeding farm animals during the winter season, and dealing with cases of abortion in cattle, ensuring the safety of the herd and increasing its productivity.
- Resource and Crop Management: The courses cover the suitability and management of irrigation water quality, crop loss reduction measures, as well as sound practices for harvesting and managing vegetables during cold periods and combating common diseases.
Implementation locations and geographical coverage
In its commitment to reaching all farmers within the governorate, the center is conducting these training courses in multiple locations, including Al-Ula and its surrounding centers and villages, such as: Al-Hijr, Arar Village, Qir, Masadir, Al-Waha, Dadan, Al-Jadeeda, Mughayra, Al-Ain Al-Jadeeda, Hasat Al-Dab, Al-Najil, Katifa, Al-Mu'tadil, Al-Adhaib, Thurba, Abu Khurayt, and Fadla. These activities will continue from the 4th to the 27th of January.
Expected economic and developmental impact
The importance of these programs extends beyond the technical aspects to include significant economic and social dimensions. By empowering farmers to implement global best practices, these initiatives contribute to:
- To raise the market value of local agricultural products and enhance their competitiveness locally and regionally.
- Achieving sustainable food security for the governorate.
- Supporting agritourism, which is one of the pillars of Al-Ula’s vision, as visitors wish to experience and taste high-quality local products.
These efforts underscore the Royal Commission for Al-Ula Governorate’s commitment to achieving comprehensive development that places people and land at the heart of its concerns, in line with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
